Sidewalks Are Not Safe—And Your Silence Kills

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

A 27-year-old male driver suffered whiplash and full-body injuries when an SUV struck the rear quarter panel of his sedan. The crash happened on Grand Central Parkway at 1:04 a.m. The SUV driver followed too closely, causing the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 1:04 a.m. on Grand Central Parkway involving a 2018 SUV and a 2004 sedan, both traveling east. The SUV struck the sedan's right rear quarter panel, damaging both vehicles. The sedan's 27-year-old male driver was injured with whiplash and bodily trauma, remaining conscious with airbag deployment. The report cites "Following Too Closely" and "Other Vehicular" factors as contributing causes, indicating driver error by the SUV operator. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The sedan driver was not ejected and was the sole occupant injured. The report does not list any victim behaviors contributing to the crash. This collision highlights the dangers of tailgating on high-speed roadways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729172 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

SUV veered, struck a motorcyclist. Rider thrown, body broken. Police blame driver distraction. Helmet on, but bones shattered. Metal and flesh met at speed. The road did not forgive.

According to the police report, a 20-year-old male motorcyclist was traveling west on Grand Central Parkway when a 2023 SUV, also westbound, changed lanes and struck the motorcycle's center front end with its left rear bumper. The rider was ejected, suffering full-body injuries including fractures and dislocations. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Following Too Closely' as contributing factors, both attributed to the SUV driver. The motorcyclist wore a helmet, but helmet use was not listed as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the danger of driver distraction and careless lane changes.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729671 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

An armored truck struck a sedan from behind on the Vanwyck Expressway in Queens. The sedan driver, a 65-year-old man, suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries and whiplash. Tire failure on the truck was a contributing factor, according to police.

According to the police report, at 15:25 on the Vanwyck Expressway in Queens, an armored truck traveling north collided with the left rear quarter panel of a northbound sedan. The truck's center front end impacted the sedan's left rear quarter panel, causing damage to both vehicles. The sedan driver, a 65-year-old man, was injured with shoulder and upper arm trauma and reported whiplash, remaining restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report cites tire failure or inadequacy on the armored truck as a contributing factor to the crash. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead prior to the collision. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the sedan driver. This crash highlights the systemic dangers posed by vehicle mechanical failures on busy expressways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4729149 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-05-21

Queens lawmakers demand more express buses before the $15 congestion toll hits. They say MTA left Queens behind. Riders in transit deserts face long, costly trips. Lawmakers call the exclusion unacceptable. They want fair service before new fees begin.

On May 16, 2024, ten Queens lawmakers, including Julia Salazar (District 18), urged the MTA to expand express bus service to Queens before the $15 Manhattan congestion toll starts. The group wrote to MTA chairman Janno Lieber, stating, "Express buses play a vital role in Queens’ public transit network and only stand to become even more pivotal in the near and distant future." They criticized the MTA for boosting express bus service in Brooklyn and Staten Island but not Queens, calling the exclusion "unacceptable." The lawmakers stressed that many southeast and northeast Queens residents lack subway access and rely on express buses to reach Midtown. They argued the 10 percent LIRR discount is no substitute for robust bus service. Salazar and her colleagues support congestion pricing but insist its success depends on expanded, equitable transit for all vulnerable riders.

• Queens lawmakers demand more MTA bus service to Manhattan before $15 congestion toll begins, nypost.com, Published 2024-05-16

Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

Three people suffered neck injuries in a chain-reaction crash on Grand Central Parkway. Drivers followed too closely. Metal slammed metal. Whiplash and pain followed. No pedestrians involved. System failed the vulnerable again.

A multi-vehicle crash on Grand Central Parkway left three occupants injured with neck trauma. According to the police report, drivers were 'Following Too Closely' and showed 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The collision involved sedans and SUVs, with impacts to both front and rear ends. The injured included a 23-year-old male passenger, a 37-year-old male passenger, and a 39-year-old female driver. All were conscious, not ejected, and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report highlights repeated failure to maintain safe distance and distraction as causes. No pedestrians were involved. The crash exposes the persistent dangers of tailgating and inattention on city highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726677 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A garbage truck struck a cyclist on College Point Boulevard, tearing his arm and mangling his bike. The man, conscious but bleeding, lost more than metal. The street bore witness to the violence of heavy machinery against flesh.

A 45-year-old man riding a bicycle was struck by a garbage truck on College Point Boulevard near 59th Avenue in Queens at 2:51 a.m., according to the police report. The report states the cyclist was 'thrown, conscious, bleeding,' with his arm torn and the bike mangled. The collision resulted in an amputation injury to the cyclist's upper arm. The point of impact for both vehicles was the center front end, indicating a direct collision. The police report lists the contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' The narrative describes the violence of the crash: 'A garbage truck crushed a cyclist... He lost more than metal.' The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this detail is not cited as a contributing factor. The data underscores the lethal risk posed by large vehicles sharing city streets with vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721236 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

A sedan traveling west struck the rear of a tractor truck on the Long Island Expressway. Two occupants in the sedan, including the driver and front passenger, suffered injuries and shock. The truck driver was unlicensed but not physically harmed.

According to the police report, a 2012 Nissan sedan traveling west on the Long Island Expressway collided with the center back end of a 2009 diesel tractor truck also traveling west. The sedan sustained damage to its center back end, while the truck showed no damage. The sedan's driver, a 74-year-old woman, and the front passenger, a 94-year-old man, were both injured with bodily trauma to the head and entire body respectively, and experienced shock. Both occupants were wearing lap belts and were not ejected. The truck driver, a man with an unlicensed status, was not injured and the truck showed no damage. The report lists no specific contributing factors but notes the truck driver was unlicensed. The collision appears to be a rear-end impact caused by the sedan striking the truck from behind.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4722208 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Council moves to hike fines for illegal ATVs and dirt bikes. First offense: $375–$750. Repeat: $750–$1,500. Law aims at reckless riders who menace city streets and endanger lives.

Bill Int 0856-2024 sits in the Committee on Public Safety. Introduced April 18, 2024, it seeks to amend city code to raise fines for unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. The bill states: 'The first offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 375 dollars and up to 750 dollars. Any subsequent offense would be punishable by a fine and/or a civil penalty of at least 750 dollars and up to 1500 dollars.' Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa leads as primary sponsor, joined by Salamanca Jr., Gennaro, Brannan, Louis, Ung, Restler, and Farías. The bill was referred to committee the same day. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0856-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Council orders swift removal of abandoned and unplated cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. Police target vehicles with missing or fake plates. Fewer hazards for those on foot and bike.

Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on April 18, 2024. The bill states: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code... in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation.' Sponsored by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (primary) and co-sponsored by over a dozen council members, it forces the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours and empowers NYPD to tow cars with missing or obscured plates or stickers. The law aims to clear street hazards fast, reducing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-18

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2024-04-15

Council targets hidden plates. Bill makes it a crime to park, stop, or drive with covered tags. Fines reach $1,000. Jail time possible. Committee weighs action. Streets demand accountability.

Int 0766-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on April 11, 2024. The bill reads: “prohibiting the parking, standing, stopping, or operation of a motor vehicle with obscured or defaced license plates.” Council Member Oswald Feliz leads, joined by Holden, Bottcher, Gennaro, Marte, Restler, Ung, and Paladino. The bill sets fines up to $1,000 and possible jail for violators. Each offense is a misdemeanor. The council aims to strip cover for reckless drivers, making it harder to dodge tickets and accountability. No safety analyst note yet, but the intent is clear: end the shield for lawless driving.

• File Int 0766-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-04-11

Ambulance struck on Grand Central Parkway. Driver, 44, suffered neck injury and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as cause. No other injuries reported.

According to the police report, a 2020 ambulance traveling west on Grand Central Parkway was struck on its right side doors at 1:38 AM. The 44-year-old male driver, properly restrained with a lap belt and harness, suffered neck injuries and whiplash and was reported in shock. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No other contributing factors or victim actions were listed. The ambulance sustained damage to its center back end. The driver was licensed in New York and was going straight ahead at the time of the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4713665 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-05

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

Council wants bold signs at every school entrance. Paint on pavement. Metal overhead. The aim: warn drivers, shield kids. The bill sits in committee. Streets wait. Danger does not.

Bill Int 0714-2024, now in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was introduced March 19, 2024. The bill reads: 'installing safety signs near schools.' Council Member Susan Zhuang leads, joined by Rivera, Gennaro, Won, Hanif, Gutiérrez, Louis, Cabán, Restler, Farías, Banks, Riley, and Feliz. The bill orders the Department of Transportation to paint and hang school safety signs on every street with a school entrance. The goal: alert drivers to children and pedestrians. The bill awaits further action. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0714-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-03-19